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Olha Bogomolets: What Happened on February 18-20 on Maidan was Genocide Against the Ukrainian People

Kyiv , 27 March 2014. Olga Bogomolets, Ruslana Lyzhychko, and activists of EuroMaidan SOS called for an independent investigation into the tragic events in Kyiv, as well as commemoration of the “Heavenly Hundred” [the approximately 100 Maidan activists killed during the protests against the Yanukovych government].

Olga Bogomolets, who helped organize medical hospital during the events of February 18-20 on Maidan, reported the shocking numbers of wounded and killed in the events. On February 18 alone, more than 1,500 were injured, 400 seriously, and 25 activists killed. On February 20, she said more than 1,300 were injured, 300 seriously, and 40 activists were killed.

Olga Bogomolets said that professional snipers in the center of Kyiv aimed for the heart, coronary artery, neck, and heads of victims. They also threw grenades after a delay, so that the grenades would not go off underfoot, but while still in the air. “That’s why so many people died and hundreds suffered from eye injuries and loss of hearing. I think what took place was true genocide of the Ukrainian people, in the 21st century.”

According to the current count from EuroMaidanSOS, as of today, 118 people died due to injury received during the protests. Of those, 88 were demonstrators killed in Kyiv, 17 were police officers, and two were members of the Kharkov organization “Oplot.”

“This list is not exhaustive, because some people have died in hospitals from their injuries and we have yet to find 146 activists,” said Olexandra Matviichuk, EuroMaidanSOS Coordinator and Chairwoman of the Civil Liberties Center, “I want to be optimistic and think that they are still alive.”

EuroMaidanSOS is still maintaining over two dozen cases related to deaths of protesters in Ukraine.

“We hope that with this, the Heavenly Hundred is complete, ” said Nelya Demyanyk, Coordinator of Center for the Remembrance of the Heavenly Hundred.

EuroMaidanSOS representatives called for the creation of an independent international commission that will immediately begin investigating the terrible acts. They stressed the need for immediate, effective, and independent investigation to bring to justice all those responsible, as well as a transparent investigation team that will inform the citizens of Ukraine of the progress of their investigation. To this end, they urged government officials to quickly amend the Constitution of Ukraine and ratify the Rome Statute, to allow for the creation of this commission.

Ruslan Lezhychko, a famous Ukrainian singer and activist, called for people to come together Sunday, March 30, to a traditional Veche on Maidan, in commemoration of the Heavenly Hundred. “Maidan gathered to defend Ukraine,” she said, “I believe that even today that same Maidan has a critical role to play in stopping Putin. And we are ready to once again demonstrate the power of our souls. While Maidan still exists, nothing will work out for Putin, and we have hope of building a new Ukraine.”

In addition, it was reported on March 29 at 21:00 at the Conservatory, there will be a Requiem, which will be free to the public.

Ruslana is a famous Ukrainian singer and social activist, as well as a former deputy of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. The first Ukrainian woman to win the International Award for Bravery of the U.S. State Department. According to the 2013 edition of Forbes Woman, she is among the top 100 most powerful women in the world.

Olga Vadymivna Bogomolets is a social activist, Honored Doctor of Ukraine, MD, Professor of Dermatology and Venereology at the National Medical University. Bogomolets is the author of over 70 scientific papers and 9 patents in the treatment of skin diseases. She is the Chief Medical Officer of the Institute of Dermatology and Cosmetology, coordinator of the European Association of Laser Dermatology in Eastern Europe, a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, and the New York Academy of Sciences. She is also a Ukrainian singer, composer, and performer of contemporary and ancient Ukrainian songs.

She actively participated in the emergency medical team on Maidan during the “EuroRevolution” in Ukraine. Fellow physicians recognized her as the moral leader of the “Medical Hundred.” In addition to providing medical care, she also engaged in educational activities.

Nelya Dem’yanyk is Coordinator of the Center for the Remembrance of the Heavenly Hundred.

Oleksandra Matviichuk is Coordinator of EuroMaidanSOS and Chairwoman of the Civic Organization “Center for Civil Liberties“.

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